That's what "they" say, but let's not e.v.e.n. begin to think about Christmas, which the title of the carole brings to mind!

I am, however, thinking about beaching it within the next coupla months and housesitting for some dear friends. Of course, "what to eat?" comes to my brain fairly quickly as it will be a special time just being there and having some down time (don't laugh, y'all! One still has down time when retired!)

This past week two friends have introduced recipes that make my mouth water - one I have tasted and the other? Well, I can just imagine. One or the other might sound like something you would not care to try because of your own personal tastes? Throw that concept out the window - I never thought I would eat pumpkin soup or tomato beers (inside joke, Deb) wither - but there you are! I had two helpings last night and it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Thanks to Lori and Phyllis.

So, without further adieu <--is that right? Or is it ado?

Anyway:

http://popalamode.blogspot.com/2011/10/souper-sunday.html

and

http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/recipes/south-beach-turkey-sausage-and-pear-stuffing-ru338631.html#.TqRYZ-efUCo.gmail

Over and out!

My friend, Becky, has this on her blog.
I loved it so, I wanted to pass it along - especially to some of my Hens.....so very appropriate! For those days when I am second-guessing myself or perhaps, my actions.


"Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see;
But I ask Thee for a present mind intent on pleasing Thee.


I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles, and to wipe the weeping eyes;
And a heart at leisure from itself, to soothe and sympathise.


I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child, and guided where I go.


Wherever in the world I am, in whatsoe'er estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts to keep and cultivate;
And a work of lowly love to do for the Lord on whom I wait.


So I ask Thee for the daily strength, to none that ask denied,
And a mind to blend with outward life while keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified.


And if some things I do not ask, in my cup of blessing be,
I would have my spirit filled the more with grateful love to Thee --
More careful -- not to serve Thee much, but to please Thee perfectly.


There are briers besetting every path, that call for patient care;
There is a cross in every lot, and an earnest need for prayer;
But a lowly heart that leans on Thee is happy anywhere.


In a service which Thy will appoints, there are no bonds for me,
For my inmost heart is taught "the truth" that makes Thy children "free;"
And a life of self-renouncing love is a life of liberty. "

~Anna Laetitia Waring

Enjoy and ponder!
Over and out

Becky of http://kicklighters.blogspot.com/2011/06/5-books-that-changed-who-i-am.html linked me in a meme the other day. I had to think much about it, believe me. Not so much the titles of the 5 books that changed who I am, but the “whys”.

Y’all know I am a voracious reader. I confess. But I read a book and remember how much I enjoyed it – I don’t so much keep track of the whys and the wherefores and the details. I do mark up my books, write in them, underline and keep track of particular quotes that I run across.

These few books I talk about day-in and day-out in conversations with others – light conversations, problem-solving conversations of deep heartfelt conversations, sharing conversations.

1. On Death and Dying by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross - Through her many books, as well as her years working with the terminally ill, she brought comfort and understanding to millions coping with their own deaths or the death of a loved one. I read this tome when I was a mere 27 or 28. My husband was dying of melanoma. I had to know everything before it happened so that I could shine and do just the right thing. And if I made a mistake, I wanted me to notice it first, not anyone else. Thus, I was “preparing” myself for the most difficult time in my life. And I was young. My friends had never gone through anything like this. I had to show them how it was done. (At that time I did not have the personal relationship with Christ I have now. I was sure I was doing it all on my own.)
2. What’s So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey – I returned to attending church after my divorce. Dawson’s Gary Fenton talks a lot about grace – something I did not grow up hearing a lot about in my childhood church. The grace of which Philip Yancey writes is the freely given and unmerited favor and love of God. Jesus speaks merely of receiving the love that God has for us. Accepting it, not earning it or making ourselves worthy of it. In truth, grace is both utterly simple and utterly confounding. This book seriously convinced me of that fact. I am reminded of God’s grace every day – every day!
3. Safe People by Henry Cloud – I facilitated a Divorce Recovery program at church after my divorce. We concentrated on Safe People as one of the levels of study. I may have taught this subject time and time again, but I gained so much insight into how I could learn to help myself based on scripture. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend offer solid guidance for making safe choices in relationships, from friendships to romance. They help identify the nurturing people we all need in our lives, as well as ones we need to learn to avoid. What a concept!!
4. Boundaries by Drs. John Townsend & Henry Cloud – the sub-title of this title is “When to Say Yes, When to Say No – To Take Control of Your Life”. And that about says it all! It is a book about managing life in a way that has been included in the Bible for centuries. In studying this book, I discovered that the Bible was chock-full of practical advice pertinent to common everyday living. Again – what a concept?!
5. Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering by Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D. – Neal Schooley recommended this book to our Stephen Ministry caregivers. It was a great book to help us who offer care for others in need and for the rest of us who merely want to express our concern without making things worse. Never again will I say to a deceased’s loved one that “he is in a better place” or “I know how you feel” or “It’s God’s Will”. I never really knew I could be assertive. Thanks to this book, I am now lovingly assertive. This book focuses on teaching you to be Christ-like in your assertiveness. It's a must read for anyone who wants to be more Christ-like!!
I still read voraciously. And each book – fiction or non – helps make me who I am in one way or another. It’s serious business for me – as well as entertaining. You? If you have books that have changed who you are, why not let me know…would you?

Over and Out

This morning I have the windows open, though there is a bit of a chill. I've covered myself with my nifty heated throw. Problem is, even on LOW I have to turn it off and on to keep from getting too hot. Ahh, the price of comfort.

I'm reading a non-fiction book right now (a rarity) - taking it slow, a chapter at a timee, so that I can "chew" on what I've just read.

The chapter touches on what the author calls the "If Only" refrain.  "It's called postponing your life and your ability to be happy to a future date when then, oh then, you  will finally get what you want and life will be good."

Thus, we miss those moments in life that happen between the "now" and what we think our life should be like. 

 Her suggestion?  "Wake up to the riot of life around you every second."  What if what you need is right in front of you right now, this instant, and you're not recognizing it?  "Be" with what presents itself to you.

The author defines acceptance as the willingness to stop defining your NOW as a means to an end, and instead, INHABIT your NOW, what you are, the work you've chosen, the life you have so carefully made for yourself.

Your NOW could be perfection itself and you are missing it, looking ahead for "something else" you think you should be doing or having or accomplishing. 

I have always been drawn to the concept that "God meets us where we are". Perhaps I also need to meet myself where I am - and be there to enjoy what He has there for me NOW.

AMEN??  

(Reading: Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth)